Summary

The Uterus is called ‘子宫‘ (Zi Gong) or ‘胞宫’（Bao Gong) . It literally translates to the ‘Palace of child’. Its main functions are related to the regulation of menstruation, child conception and pregnancy.

The Functions of the Uterus

• The TCM concept of Uterus (Bao Gong) doesn’t see it as an isolated Organ but also includes other reproductive organs such as fallopian tubes, ovaries and the cervix. Its function is to store and discharge the menstrual Blood, thicken the endometrium, start ovulation, store the Kidney Essence (Jing 精), receive the sperm and house and nourish the foetus until birth.
• The Uterus connects to the Kidneys via the Uterus Channel. The Kidney Essence is the origin of menstrual Blood (also called Tian Gui in Chinese Medicine). It also plays a critical role for sex and conception of a child.
• The Uterus also connects to the Heart via the Uterus Channel. The Heart houses the Spirit/Mind (Shen 神) and this is the reason why Uterus functions are so influenced by mental and emotional problems.

Classification

• Extraordinary Organ

The TCM Uterus Functions

• It regulates menstruation
• It houses the foetus during pregnancy

Main Symptoms

The Uterus regulates menstrual Blood. The two most important Organs in assisting in this function are the Kidneys and the Liver. The Kidneys’ Essence is the origin of menstrual Blood (also called Tian Gui). Liver Qi stimulates menstrual Blood movement during the premenstrual phase. As such any Deficiency in the Kidneys or the Liver will inevitably lead to issues with menstruation.

Patterns of Disharmony

1. COLD IN THE UTERUS

• Cold in the Uterus gives rise to such diverse symptoms as lower abdominal pain, pain relieved with heat, dark clots in menstrual blood and scanty periods. In the case of Cold in the Uterus, patients tend to exhibit choppy (Se), deep (Chen) or tight (Jin) pulses as well as a bluish-purple, pale tongue. Cold in the Uterus is thought to sometimes induce conditions such as late menstruation or menstrual cramps.

2. DAMP-PHLEGM IN THE UTERUS

• Whenever the body has Dampness or Phlegm, the Spleen is always the first Organ to be checked, because it is responsible for Body Fluids metabolism. The Spleen transforms, transports, and distributes drinks along with food Essence and Grain Qi. When these functions are impaired, Damp-Phlegm forms and accumulates. If it stores in the Uterus, the Directing and Penetrating Vessels are obstructed. Then there is not enough Blood flows to the Uterus or the flow gets delayed all the time, hence the symptoms of scanty period, late period or even complete absence of period. Often patients suffering from this pattern tend to be overweight or Obesity. It is because the Damp-Phlegm accumulates also in abdominal area and cause a fat and soft belly as well as pain and oppression there. As a rule of thumb, Chinese Medicine practitioners see that overly thin women with scanty or late periods will often have Blood Deficiency while overweight ones are more due to Damp-Phlegm. Patients suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) also often have scanty periods due to Damp-Phlegm and they are often obese (although it might not necessary for all cases).

3. HEAT IN UTERUS BLOOD

• Long term emotional stress such as anger, frustration and resentment, or a sudden emotional upset can lead to Liver Qi Stagnation. If untreated for a while, it can then develops to Liver Fire or Heat, which agitates the . If the Blood Heat happens in the Uterus, it causes the heavy menstruation, sudden flooding or dragged leaking, dark and sticky blood and etc. External factors such as an excessive consumption of spicy & hot food or alcohol as well as overexposure to hot environment can also cause Heat in the Blood. The treatment principle is to clear Heat, cool Blood and stop bleeding.

4. COLD IN THE UTERUS

• Cold in the Uterus gives rise to such diverse symptoms as lower abdominal pain, pain relieved with heat, dark clots in menstrual blood and scanty periods. In the case of Cold in the Uterus, patients tend to exhibit choppy (Se), deep (Chen) or tight (Jin) pulses as well as a bluish-purple, pale tongue. Cold in the Uterus is thought to sometimes induce conditions such as late menstruation or menstrual cramps.

5. BLOOD STAGNATION AND PHLEGM IN THE UTERUS

• Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus gives rise to such diverse symptoms as persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, fibroids and cysts in the lower abdomen and painful period. Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus is thought to sometimes induce conditions such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease or retained placenta.